specific, detailed policy questions and in fairness he gets a chance to put president obama on the defensive the but to sflan to the american people specifically what he wants. here's the unfortunate truth about this, chris. both presidential candidates, president obama and governor romney are smart individuals. this is going to be a very good debate, because both are policy wonks and they're not afraid to answer a detailed question. >> nera, this morning chuck todd said to be honest -- they're both smart men, but neither is a great debater. he thinks the vice presidential debate will be a lot more interesting. however, mitt romney has 20 primary debates under his belt and president obama has none this time around. if you look at history, the past four incumbent presidents have had a difficult time in the first debate. give me your take on this. >> the president has had numerous press conferences. obviously piece asked questions about policy and he has to answer them. he has to practice having sharper answers, because you have a limited amount of time. i do think, though, that governor romne